Black is beautiful can be said to have become somewhat of a cliche. However, there are people like our featured model of today who breathe new life into the age old expression. Check out our exclusive interview with everyone’s favourite on the rise and on the run model, Rachel Darasimi Ogbetah Omoekpen below.

Legal Name: Omoekpen Rachael Ogbetah (Darasimi is my 4th name).

Hair color: Black

Eye Color: Black

Do you have any other interests?: I write poems, articles and short stories. I’m also an aspiring actress, presenter and gospel artiste.

Favorite Quotes : The first is a bible verse – “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, so shall he reap”. Galatians 6:7. The second one goes thus -“Fellas, do not stop pushing. Keep pushing.”

Tell us about yourself – Why areyou a model?: I happen to love modeling, always loved it. However, since I’m too short and not skinny enough to be a runway model, I decided to go with face and advert modeling. I started officially late last year and its been an enlightening experience.

Why are you interested in this career?: I love taking pictures, so I thought, “why not?”. If you’re an advert model in the right agency, it is actually a lucrative venture. It can be very tough at times, as most Nigerians want to use you to advertise their products or skills without paying you. But then, getting signed can help with these problems.

Tell us about your education: I went to Early Beginners Private School in Lagos and my junior secondary school days were spent at a girl’s only school, United Missionary Comprehensive College, Ibadan. My senior secondary school was Redemption Gate International School, Lagos and today I attend Bowen University, Iwo.

Have you attended any fashion or modeling courses?: Let me not lie to you, no I haven’t. I don’t consider myself a professional model just yet. I have never been officially trained, but this summer, I have plans to change that.

Why would you think you’re fit to be a model?: Lol i already said i dont think I’m fit to be one. But anyway, I serve faces in pictures, don’t you think?

What are your goals as a model? How do you see yourself progress in this field?: My goal as a model is to enjoy myself and have fun with what I’m doing. I want to become a famous and unique commercial model whom everyone wants to reckon with in the industry. And make cash of course (laughs).

How do you communicate with people?: To be very fair, I personally think I’m friendly to a fault. Most times I’m too friendly and clients think they can override me. It has happened a lot of times. There was this time a make up artiste called me to model for her, but she was not paying, neither for the job nor even transport fare. I agreed and whilst she was doing the makeup, I laughed at something on the TV. She immediately went to the TV to switch it off and shouted that I shouldn’t waste her time, that she’s going somewhere. You can imagine. I was pissed quite alright, but I didn’t let it show, and she never apologized. Many models I know would never take that. But then, it’s all part of the success story later in life.

Do you eat nutritiously? How often do you exercise or go to the gym?: (laughs) You sha want me to reveal my secrets. The only exercises I do are to make my tummy flat o, nothing else. I rarely go to the gym, but I try to watch what I eat so I don’t get too fat.

Do you have any limitations? Would you model any kind of clothing at all?: Of course, I do have my limitations. I can’t model something too revealing and I can’t model shoes because I have swollen feet.

What challenges have you faced as a model?: They’ve basically been financial challenges. Contrary to popular belief, models who aren’t signed to an agency like me don’t really get paid. I’m only paid when I’m modeling for a brand or something. Apart from that, people tend to treat models without respect at times. I told you how one makeup artiste started shouting at me cos I was watching TV when she was doing my makeup and she wasn’t even paying me. I felt so bad that day. Other times, I get home really late and I just thank God for the kind of mother I have. She’s so understanding.

What’s your take on the beauty standards created by popular culture?: Well, beauty standards have unfortunately become a priority in society today. I know some people who cannot leave their houses without makeup. Haba, it’s not that bad. While It should be a priority because Nigerians talk to you based on how you look, it shouldn’t be a do or die affair. Some spend the money meant for other important things on buying makeup items. It’s important to be wise.

Where do yourself in five years?By God’s grace things are going to be greater than I ever expected. I’m going to be a top model in Nigeria, actress, artiste and TV Presenter/ Host/ On – Air Personality. And then by the side, I’ll continue with writing poetry, articles and feature stories. Yes, I want to do everything! I want to be a force to reckon with in Nigeria. I want to live a life of substance and a life of purpose.

This interview is an eye opener, especially to other upcoming models around. I’m happy there are still people with virtue and ambition, despite the seemingly insurmountable mountains that surround success as per modelling. Well done, Isaac.